A DRUNKEN man stormed out of a Darwen pub and punched the window of a nearby florists shop causing it to break.

Blackburn magistrates heard the window cost £980 to replace and the owner had to foot the bill of £220 for initial boarding up.

Alex Gavin Harris, 24, of Astbury Chase, Darwen, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was ordered to pay £1,218 compensation.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Harris had been drinking in the Anchor pub and left about 12.30 am with a glass in his hand. A member of staff heard a smash and saw he had thrown the glass at a bench. She saw him cross the road where he punched a car window and then the window of the Pick of the Bunch florists. The six feet by seven feet window smashed.

When he was asked why he had done it Harris said he didn't know because he was drunk. Asked how much he had drunk he said a lot and that he couldn't handle the shorts.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client felt he had let himself down badly on the night.

"It is simply down to too much drink," said Mr Taylor. "He had an argument with someone in the pub and has come out and vented his frustration on the window. He is aware that as a result of his actions the shop owner has been greatly inconvenienced."